Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC,RE)

Sat, Sep 05
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Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
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Deutsche Bahn
FlixTrain
Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 05

Cheapest price on Sep 05

€57

Average ticket price on Sep 05

€111

Fastest journey on Sep 05

5 h 53 m

Average journey duration on Sep 05

6 h 5 m

Trains on Sep 05

29

Distance

474 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf will cost around €111 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €57.

Fast trains

On Sat, Sep 05, we found 29 trains from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf, including 3 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 05 the direct trains cover the 474 km distance in an average of 6 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 53 m .

On Sat, Sep 05 the slowest trains will take 6 h 9 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 1541 · RJX 251
    11:27 PM8h40
    Cologne Hbf
    8:07 AMDresden Hbf
    571One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnICE 617 · EC 459
    9:54 PM9h12
    Cologne Hbf
    7:06 AMDresden Hbf
    701One-way
    1 transfer
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2045
    3:11 PM7h27
    Cologne Hbf
    10:38 PMDresden Hbf
    741One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2049
    11:11 AM7h27
    Cologne Hbf
    6:38 PMDresden Hbf
    801One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnICE 953 · IC 2045
    3:35 PM7h03
    Cologne Hbf
    10:38 PMDresden Hbf
    821One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €40 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 13m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €40, while a flight costs an average of €451.

Distance: 294 miles (474 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

€98

Average price

€40

Average price

Cheapest

€451

Average price

€82

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 50m

Average total duration

6h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 41m

Average total duration

9h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 13m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 13m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

5h 28m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Lufthansa

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf is a bus with an average price of €40.

This is compared to other travel options from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf:

A bus is €59 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf costing on average €98.

A bus is €412 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf costing on average €451.

The fastest way to travel from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 13m.

Other travel options to Dresden Hbf take longer:

Train takes on average 6h 20m.

Bus takes on average 9h 11m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cologne Hbf and Dresden Hbf including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around €98 compared to roughly €82 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-16.27. The journey takes 6h 20m versus 5h 28m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf trains for today, Friday, September 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 225 · ICE 1651
Delayed
10:35 AM 11:33 AMCologne Hbf
6h10
5:43 PM Dresden Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 627 · ICE 598 · IC 2049
On time
12:35 PM Cologne Hbf
6h03
6:38 PM Dresden Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 559 · RJ 38512:44 PM Cologne Hbf
6h23
7:07 PM Dresden Hbf1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 629 · ICE 751 · ICE 1747
On time
1:35 PM Cologne Hbf
5h45
7:20 PM Dresden Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 951 · 21921 · IC 2273 · 165311:35 PM Cologne Hbf
6h59
8:34 PM Dresden Hbf3 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 2529 · ICE 751 · ICE 1747
On time
1:35 PM Cologne Hbf
5h45
7:20 PM Dresden Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 123 · ICE 1653
Delayed
12:32 PM 1:53 PMCologne Hbf
5h52
7:45 PM Dresden Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 721 · ICE 596 · IC 2047
On time
2:35 PM Cologne Hbf
6h05
8:40 PM Dresden Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 651 · RJ 1792:44 PM Cologne Hbf
6h23
9:07 PM Dresden Hbf1 transfer
FlixTrainFlixTrain3:35 PM Cologne Hbf
7h31
11:06 PM Dresden Hbf0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 125 · ICE 1655
Delayed
2:01 PM 3:53 PMCologne Hbf
5h52
9:45 PM Dresden Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 725 · ICE 594 · IC 2045
On time
4:35 PM Cologne Hbf
6h03
10:38 PM Dresden Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 2535 · ICE 594 · IC 2045
On time
4:35 PM Cologne Hbf
6h03
10:38 PM Dresden Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 2537 · ICE 1657
On time
5:35 PM Cologne Hbf
6h10
11:45 PM Dresden Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 127 · ICE 1657
On time
5:53 PM Cologne Hbf
5h52
11:45 PM Dresden Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 957 · 3363 · S2 · 165017:36 PM Cologne Hbf
9h45
5:21 AM Dresden Hbf3 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 129 · ICE 1659 · 165017:53 PM Cologne Hbf
9h28
5:21 AM Dresden Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 823+Hessische Landesbahn24367+Deutsche BahnICE 590 · 165018:24 PM Cologne Hbf
8h57
5:21 AM Dresden Hbf3 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 2543+Hessische Landesbahn24367+Deutsche BahnICE 2804 · 165018:24 PM Cologne Hbf
8h57
5:21 AM Dresden Hbf3 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 617 · IC 60409 · 165039:54 PM Cologne Hbf
8h27
6:21 AM Dresden Hbf2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 617 · EC 459
On time
9:54 PM Cologne Hbf
9h12
7:06 AM Dresden Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 1541 · RJX 251
On time
11:27 PM Cologne Hbf
8h40
8:07 AM Dresden Hbf
1 transfer
Saturday, September 5
Deutsche BahnICE 11 · 15510 · ICE 692 · IC 2443
On time
8:19 AM Cologne Hbf
6h19
2:38 PM Dresden Hbf
3 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 555 · RJ 383
On time
8:44 AM Cologne Hbf
6h23
3:07 PM Dresden Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 2441
On time
9:11 AM Cologne Hbf
7h27
4:38 PM Dresden Hbf
0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 121 · ICE 1559
On time
9:19 AM Cologne Hbf
6h24
3:43 PM Dresden Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnICE 857 · IC 2441
On time
9:35 AM Cologne Hbf
7h03
4:38 PM Dresden Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnS12 · ICE 217 · ICE 1559
On time
9:50 AM Cologne Hbf
5h53
3:43 PM Dresden Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 1515 · ICE 690 · IC 2441
On time
10:29 AM Cologne Hbf
6h09
4:38 PM Dresden Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 557 · RJ 177
On time
10:44 AM Cologne Hbf
6h23
5:07 PM Dresden Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnIC 204911:11 AM Cologne Hbf
7h27
6:38 PM Dresden Hbf0 transfersDirect
Deutsche BahnICE 225 · ICE 1651
On time
11:20 AM Cologne Hbf
6h23
5:43 PM Dresden Hbf
1 transfer
Deutsche Bahn28514 · ICE 625 · ICE 1651
On time
11:31 AM Cologne Hbf
6h12
5:43 PM Dresden Hbf
2 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 859 · 21905 · IC 2271 · S211:35 AM Cologne Hbf
7h03
6:38 PM Dresden Hbf3 transfers
Deutsche BahnICE 1517 · ICE 598 · IC 2049+Hessische Landesbahn24333
On time
12:29 PM Cologne Hbf
6h09
6:38 PM Dresden Hbf
3 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

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Why should you book Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as FlixTrain, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) and more offer trains services from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixTrain, Trans Regio Deutsche Regionalbahn GmbH or Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf

GermanyGermany
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €10 if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:21, the last at 22:07. The fastest train covers the 294 miles (474 km) distance in 5h 7m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
294 miles (474 km)
Average train duration
6h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
€10
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
5h 7m
First train
1:21 AM
Last train
10:07 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
21 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, FlixTrain from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf trainsDeutsche Bahn, FlixTrain trains will get you between Cologne Hbf and Dresden Hbf from €10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
5h 7m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
€18
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

FlixTrain

About
FlixTrain is a German railway company owned by FlixMobility, the parent company of FlixBus. Since 2018, it has connected major German cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Berlin, and Frankfurt, and also operates routes in Sweden, including Stockholm to Gothenburg. All FlixTrain services run on 100% renewable energy. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, toilets, USB ports, power outlets, generous legroom, and free Wi-Fi on most trains. Food and drinks are available, and every ticket guarantees a seat. Passengers can bring luggage free of charge, provided it fits in the racks. Popular German routes include Berlin–Hamburg, Frankfurt–Stuttgart, and Cologne–Hamburg, offering a sustainable and comfortable way to travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixTrain Duration
6h 52m
Cheapest FlixTrain Price
€10
FlixTrain frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage (max 7kg) and 1 piece of luggage (max 20kg)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snacks and drinks available for purchase from onboard service
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Dresden Hbf, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €10, while the average price is around €98.
The train from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf takes 5h 7m and runs 8 per day.
The first train from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf leaves at 1:21 AM.
The distance by train from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf is 294 miles (474 km).
The last train from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf leaves at 10:07 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by FlixTrain.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf is by train, with a cost of around €10.
Yes, the train journey from Köln Hbf to Dresden Hauptbahnhof is scenic, offering views of the Rhine River, charming vineyards, and picturesque towns along the way, as well as the rolling hills and lush landscapes of central Germany.
A day trip from Köln Hbf to Dresden Hauptbahnhof is not feasible, as the journey takes 5h 7m. However, trains run 11 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf.
Since both Cologne Hbf and Dresden Hbf are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Dresden Hbf include Leipzig, Sandersdorf-Brehna, Ústí nad Labem, Děčín, Zwickau.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Pass and Interrail Pass are valid on most trains in Germany, including Deutsche Bahn regional and long-distance services. Some high-speed trains may require a reservation fee even with a rail pass.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf

Most Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf trains use the Köln Hbf to Dresden Hauptbahnhof station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne Hbf and Dresden Hbf train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Dresden
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · €7 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · €5 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · €5 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

More options for your journey from Cologne Hbf to Dresden Hbf

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Dresden Hbf and Cologne Hbf

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